Home > Uncategorized

January 3, 2017
By

An 880 square foot cabin is being built on the existing site of a well-loved historic log cabin which was lost to fire. While the new cabin design is more aesthetically modern and takes advantage of more efficient building materials, the size is not much more than what it replaces. The main floor is a mere 660 sq. ft. with an extra 320 square foot loft which acts as the master bedroom.     Energy efficiency was top of mind when designing the...

February 25, 2014
By

Supporting infill in established neighbourhoods is part of our mandate in designing and developing straw bale and energy-efficient frame single and multi-family housing. This includes duplexes, semi-detached, row houses and garage suites where zoning allows. The most obvious benefit of this type of infill is the reduction of urban sprawl and the opportunity for individuals and families to live close to the core of the city. This type of development can fill gaps in the existing built environment and often plays...

December 17, 2013
By

Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding straw bale buildings are those related to the type and specifications of the bales that should be selected. The following 5 points will hopefully address many of the questions first time straw bale and owner builders have when confronting the question of bales. There continues to be much debate surrounding some of the issues such as the type of straw (fiber). Remember, straw is the stems of grain and cereal crops - not...

March 8, 2013
By

In previous postings we have discussed some of the design rationale and construction methodologies employed and advocated by our company. This is a more detailed analysis of technologies and materials used from foundation to roof. Not too long ago the construction of a straw bale house involved the design of a custom foundation, sometimes complex and unorthodox framing, shimming trusses and rafters on an undulating box beam on a load bearing straw bale wall, and a host of other quirky construction...

February 24, 2013
By

There are essentially two methods of constructing bale walls to support the roof structure and multi-storey walls (to a maximum of 3 storeys) in residential construction. They are: load bearing wall assemblies non-load bearing wall assemblies Both systems have their advantages and challenges. We have chosen to focus our efforts on non-load bearing straw bale for a number of reasons. Moisture is the biggest enemy of straw bales during construction, and until a roof is constructed the bales are vulnerable to damage even...